code of conduct

Young Players

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every player to follow a RESPECT Code of Conduct.
When playing football, I will:

Always play to the best of my ability
Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
Respect my team mates, the other team, the referee and my coach / manager
Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
Listen and respond to what my coach / team manager tells me
Talk to someone that I trust or the Club Welfare Officer if I am unhappy about anything at my club

I understand that if I do not follow the code, my club, COUNTY FA or The FA may take any/all of the following actions.
I may:

Be required to apologise to my team mates, the other team, referee or team manager
Receive a formal warning from coach or the club committee
Be dropped or substituted
Be suspended from training
Be required to leave the club

In addition:

My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
The FA / County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club

Spectators and Parents / Carers

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. This club is supporting The FA’s RESPECT programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe and positive environment. Remember that children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything. Play your part and observe The FA’s RESPECT Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.

I Will:

Remember that children play for FUN.
Applaud effort and good play as well as success
Always respect the match officials’ decisions.
Remain outside the field of play and within the ‘Designated Spectators’ area (where provided)
Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials.
Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning.
Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, my club, COUNTY FA, league or The FA may take any/all of the following actions.
I may be:

Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official.
Required to meet with the club, league or CFA Welfare Officer.
Required to meet with the club committee.
Obliged to undertake a FA education course.
Obliged to leave the match venue by the club.
Requested by the club not to attend future games.
Suspended or have my club membership removed
Required to leave the club along with any dependants

In addition:

The FA / County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club

Match Officials

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. The behaviour of the match officials has an impact directly and indirectly on the conduct of everyone involved in the game. This includes both on the pitch and on the sidelines. Play your part and observe The FA’s RESPECT Code of Conduct of match officials at all times.
I Will:

Be honest and completely impartial at all times
Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently
Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner
Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play and other misconduct
Never tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and officials
Support my match official colleagues at all times
Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing RESPECT to everyone involved in the game
Communicate with the players and encourage fair play
Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains
Prepare physically and mentally for every match
Complete and submit accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games in which I officiate

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, my club, COUNTY FA or The FA may take any/all of the following actions
I may be:

Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Official
Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Committee
Obliged to attend or re-attend The FA RESPECT training or other FA education course
Issued with a written warning
Fined by the County FA
Offered less senior appointments
Suspended from all appointments for a defined period

Excluded from affiliating as an FA Referee

Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In The FA’s survey of 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline. Play your part and observe the Football Association’s RESPECT Code of Conduct in everything you do.

On and off the field, I will:

Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
Promote fair play and high standards of behaviour
Always respect the match Officials decision
Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

When working with players I will:

Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything including winning
Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me
Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations
Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying
Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem
Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
Ensure all activities that I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity
Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each players best interests

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, my club, COUNTY FA, league or The FA may take any/all of the following actions: